Genesis 41:18

KJV

And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, there came up {H5927} out of the river {H2975} seven {H7651} kine {H6510}, fatfleshed {H1277}{H1320} and well {H3303} favoured {H8389}; and they fed {H7462} in a meadow {H260}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and there came up out of the river seven cows, fat and sleek; and they began feeding in the swamp grass.

Berean Standard Bible

when seven cows, well-fed and sleek, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds.

American Standard Version

and, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fat-fleshed and well-favored: and they fed in the reed-grass:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Pharaoh's first dream, as recounted by Joseph, vividly describes seven robust and healthy cows emerging from the life-giving Nile River to graze in a fertile meadow. This vision of abundant livestock and lush pasture serves as a divine prelude, setting the stage for God's revelation of a coming period of immense prosperity for Egypt, underscoring His sovereign control over natural cycles and His providential foresight in preparing nations for both seasons of plenty and subsequent hardship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the pivotal narrative of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, specifically during his encounter with Pharaoh in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams"). Joseph, having been unjustly imprisoned, is suddenly summoned to the royal court because of his God-given ability to interpret dreams, a skill previously demonstrated with the chief butler and baker in [Genesis 40](/genesis/40 "Genesis 40 - Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison"). Pharaoh, deeply troubled by two unsettling dreams, recounts them to Joseph. [Genesis 41:18](/genesis/41-18 "Genesis 41:18 - Pharaoh's Dream of the Fat Cows") is Joseph's faithful repetition of Pharaoh's exact words concerning the first part of his dream, emphasizing the initial vision of abundance before the subsequent, disturbing imagery of the lean cows. This careful recounting demonstrates Joseph's attentiveness and sets the stage for his Spirit-inspired interpretation, highlighting the divine origin of both the dream and its meaning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society whose very existence was inextricably linked to the Nile River. The annual inundation of the Nile brought fertile silt, depositing it across the floodplains, which was essential for crop cultivation and sustaining livestock. Without the Nile's life-giving waters, Egypt would be a barren desert. Therefore, the health and abundance of cattle, particularly those grazing in lush meadows along the river, were direct indicators of the nation's prosperity and well-being. Dreams were highly regarded in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often believed to be messages from deities. Pharaoh, as the divine king, would have placed immense significance on such vivid and troubling dreams, understanding them as omens or divine communications regarding the fate of his kingdom. The imagery of cows, the Nile, and meadows would have been immediately recognizable and deeply symbolic to an Egyptian audience, representing the core elements of their national prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 41:18](/genesis/41-18 "Genesis 41:18 - Pharaoh's Dream of the Fat Cows") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's active involvement in human history, even in the affairs of a pagan king and nation. God reveals future events to Pharaoh, not for Pharaoh's sake alone, but as part of His grand plan to preserve His covenant people, Israel, through the coming famine (cf. [Genesis 45:7-8](/genesis/45-7-8 "Genesis 45:7-8 - God Sent Joseph Ahead")). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Wisdom and Discernment**, as Joseph's God-given ability to interpret the dream is the key to understanding and responding to God's revelation. This divine wisdom, rather than human ingenuity, is presented as the true source of effective leadership and stewardship (cf. [Genesis 41:38-39](/genesis/41-38-39 "Genesis 41:38-39 - Joseph's Wisdom from God")). Finally, the initial vision of abundance sets up the theme of **Preparation and Stewardship**, as the years of plenty foreshadow a period that requires careful management and foresight to mitigate the impact of the subsequent famine, a principle applicable to all seasons of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse "And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:" presents the initial, positive imagery of Pharaoh's dream, as recounted by Joseph.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kine (Hebrew, _pârâh'_):** From H6510, this feminine noun refers to a "heifer" or "cow." In the context of Pharaoh's dream, it signifies common cattle, which were vital for agriculture, labor, and sustenance in ancient Egypt. Their appearance from the river points to the Nile as the source of life and fertility for these animals.
* **fatfleshed (Hebrew, _bârîyʼ bâsâr'_):** This phrase combines H1277 (_bârîyʼ_) and H1320 (_bâsâr_). H1277 means "fatted or plump," indicating a state of being well-fed, firm, and plenteous. H1320 refers to "flesh" (from its freshness) or "body." Together, "fatfleshed" vividly describes animals that are robust, healthy, and in prime condition, symbolizing a period of great abundance and prosperity for the land.
* **meadow (Hebrew, _ʼâchûw'_):** From H260, this word refers to a "bulrush or any marshy grass," particularly that found along the Nile. It denotes a lush, fertile grazing area, reinforcing the imagery of a land rich in resources and capable of sustaining abundant life. The presence of the cows feeding in such a meadow further underscores the idea of natural bounty and flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, there came up out of the river":** This opening phrase immediately draws attention to the source of the animals—the Nile River (Hebrew: _yᵉʼôr_, H2975). The verb "came up" (Hebrew: _ʻâlâh_, H5927) suggests an emergence or ascent, highlighting the miraculous or divinely orchestrated nature of their appearance. The Nile, as Egypt's lifeblood, is thus established as the origin of the prosperity symbolized by the cows.
* **"seven kine":** The number "seven" (Hebrew: _shebaʻ_, H7651) is numerically significant in biblical contexts, often symbolizing completeness, perfection, or a full cycle. Here, it denotes a complete period of abundance. "Kine" (Hebrew: _pârâh_, H6510) refers to cows or heifers, representing the livestock and agricultural wealth of the nation.
* **"fatfleshed and well favoured":** This descriptive duo emphasizes the prime condition of the cows. "Fatfleshed" (Hebrew: _bârîyʼ bâsâr_, H1277 + H1320) denotes their physical health and robust state, signifying a period of great material prosperity and ample resources. "Well favoured" (Hebrew: _yâpheh tôʼar_, H3303 + H8389) literally means "beautiful of appearance" or "comely in form," underscoring their pleasing and ideal state, reinforcing the vision of flourishing and blessing.
* **"and they fed in a meadow":** The act of "feeding" (Hebrew: _râʻâh_, H7462) implies grazing or pasturing, indicating a natural and sustained state of nourishment. The "meadow" (Hebrew: _ʼâchûw_, H260) points to the lush, fertile lands along the Nile, providing abundant sustenance. This final clause completes the picture of a land blessed with natural bounty, where livestock thrive effortlessly, symbolizing a time of peace and prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of health and abundance. The description of "fatfleshed and well favoured" kine emerging from the "river" and feeding in a "meadow" appeals directly to the senses, allowing the audience to visualize the lushness and prosperity. **Symbolism** is central to this dream. The "seven kine" symbolize seven years of agricultural abundance and national prosperity, directly linked to the life-giving "Nile River." The "meadow" symbolizes the fertile land, capable of sustaining such bounty. This initial vision serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting up a stark contrast with the subsequent vision of the lean cows, which will symbolize the coming years of famine. The dream's structure, presenting a positive image followed by a negative one, employs **Juxtaposition** to highlight the dramatic shift in Egypt's future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This initial vision from Pharaoh's dream profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over creation and His providential care for humanity. Even in a pagan context, God reveals His plans, demonstrating that His dominion extends over all nations and natural processes. The imagery of abundant, healthy livestock emerging from the Nile underscores God's ability to provide immense blessing and prosperity, often through natural means, as part of His larger redemptive purposes. This divine foresight is not merely for warning but for the opportunity of wise stewardship and preparation, ultimately serving to preserve His chosen people, Israel, through Joseph's leadership.

* [Psalm 104:14](/psalms/104-14 "Psalm 104:14 - God Provides for Livestock and Man")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Secrets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Pharaoh's dream, as recounted by Joseph in [Genesis 41:18](/genesis/41-18 "Pharaoh's Dream of the Fat Cows"), offers profound insights into God's character and our response to His providence. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world, revealing His plans and purposes even to those who do not know Him, for the ultimate good of His people and the advancement of His kingdom. The initial vision of abundance calls us to recognize and be grateful for seasons of blessing and prosperity, understanding them as gifts from God. It also underscores the importance of wise stewardship during times of plenty, preparing for future challenges, just as Joseph advised Pharaoh. We are encouraged to seek God's wisdom and discernment in all circumstances, trusting that He will provide what is necessary for us to navigate both the "fat" and "lean" seasons of our lives, always working for our ultimate good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the fatfleshed kine emerging from the Nile speak to God's providence in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be revealing "seasons" to you, and how are you preparing for them with wisdom and stewardship?**
* **How does Joseph's faithful recounting of the dream, even before interpreting it, model attentiveness and obedience for us?**
* **What does this passage teach us about God's sovereignty over all nations and circumstances, even those seemingly outside of His direct covenant people?**

### FAQ

**What does "kine" mean in this verse?**

Answer: "Kine" is an archaic plural form of "cow" or "heifer." In [Genesis 41:18](/genesis/41-18 "Genesis 41:18 - Pharaoh's Dream of the Fat Cows"), it refers to the seven healthy female cattle that Pharaoh saw in his dream. The Hebrew word used is _pârâh_ (H6510), which specifically denotes a cow.

**Why is the Nile River so central to Pharaoh's dream?**

Answer: The Nile River was the absolute lifeblood of ancient Egypt, making it a fitting and culturally relevant symbol for divine communication to Pharaoh. Its annual floods deposited fertile silt, essential for agriculture, and provided water for irrigation and sustenance for livestock. The health of the Nile directly correlated with the nation's prosperity and survival. Therefore, the cows emerging from the Nile naturally symbolized the source of Egypt's abundance and the state of its agricultural well-being, indicating that the coming years of plenty, and subsequent famine, would be directly tied to the river's bounty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, beginning with the vision of the "fatfleshed and well favoured" kine, powerfully foreshadows Christ's redemptive work. Joseph, by interpreting the divine revelation and guiding Egypt through years of both abundance and devastating famine, serves as a profound type of Christ. Just as Joseph, through God-given wisdom, became the deliverer who saved a nation and many peoples from physical starvation (see [Genesis 45:5-8](/genesis/45-5-8 "Genesis 45:5-8 - Joseph's Explanation to His Brothers")), so Christ is the ultimate Provider and Sustainer, offering spiritual nourishment and eternal salvation to all who believe. He is the one who perfectly interprets the divine will of God the Father (as seen in [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")), and through His wisdom, prepares His people for all seasons of life, ensuring their ultimate well-being and leading them through the "fat" and "lean" years of this world to an everlasting abundance in His glorious Kingdom (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply Your Needs")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 24:1

¶ The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs [were] set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.

Jeremiah 24:3

Then said the LORD unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.

Jeremiah 24:8

And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:

Jeremiah 24:5

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for [their] good.